Monday, August 8, 2016

OYM - Spreading The Good News of The Gospel of Jesus Christ~

Graphic by LeAnn@ Living Waters - Photo by Debbie @ It's All About Purple~

The Lord has said:

“Yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that the field is white already to harvest; wherefore, thrust in your sickles, and reap with all your might, mind, and strength.

“Open your mouths and they shall be filled, and you shall become even as Nephi of old, who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness.

“Yea, open your mouths and spare not, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your backs, for lo, I am with you.

“Yea, open your mouths and they shall be filled, saying: Repent, repent, and prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (D&C 33:7–10, italics added.)

I am a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have a deep love for my Savior Jesus Christ and His Gospel. I know that this is the only true church on the earth today. I know that it is led by a modern day Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and twelve latter-day Apostles. I know that the ancient Priesthood of God has been restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know that Joseph Smith saw and spoke to God, our Eternal Father and His Son Jesus Christ in an experience entitled: "The First Vision."It May take a few moments for the videos to load~

I know that The Book of Mormon is the most correct and true book on the earth today. How do I know all of this. I have studied, prayed and received my own witness that it is true through the marvelous gift of the Holy Ghost. I am serving with my eternal companion in a Preach My Gospel Mission. Everyday, I am suppose to Open My Mouth (OYM's) and spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I guess the question might be asked. Why would we want to do this every day? Here is what is behind my motivation.In the Book of Mormon, father Lehi has a vision of the "Tree of Life".

In this vision Lehi is with his beloved wife Sariah and two of his children, Sam and Nephi. They are at the Tree of Life partaking of the precious fruit. He sees his two sons Laman and Lemuel way off in the distance. They are not on the path to the tree. He has an overwhelming love for his family and he wants them all to come to the tree and partake of the fruit. That tree and fruit represents the love of God. It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Lehi wants all to partake of the Atonement and feel the love of God in their lives. He beckons to his sons who refuse. I know Lehi was heartbroken when his sons would not come to the tree.I desire that my own family come to the tree and partake of this fruit. I know how delicious this fruit is. I know that God loves all of His children. We are all brothers and sisters. We were with our Heavenly Parents in what is called pre-earth life. He wants us to all return back to Him. He has provided a way for us to return. The path to the tree is to learn of and have faith in Jesus Christ, repent and change, be baptized, receive the special gift of the Holy Ghost and then endure to the end. This is the true Doctrine of Christ. Along that path to the tree is a rod of iron. This represents the scriptures. If we know and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the Bible, The Book of Mormon and other scriptural teachings this will help us stay on that path to the tree. I have a deep desire for all to come unto Christ. I do have a great love for others. Also, in the Book of Mormon there is a story told of five young men, Alma and the four sons of Mosiah. These five men were wicked and did much damage to the church in their day. Alma's father and the sons of Mosiah's father prayed for them all to change and come unto Christ. They had a dramatic spiritual experience that changed their lives. Due to that experience they became great missionaries and desired to take the Gospel to even their enemies because they now loved them as their brothers and sisters. This is a gospel of love. It concepts, principles and teachings invite us to Christ. In coming unto Christ we will have a deeper desire to love one another and live Christ like lives.I am not the most outgoing person in the world. Doing OYM's is hard for me. However, we have had some sweet experiences in sharing the gospel with others and with strangers. One day we met a girl in Costco's who was working there. She asked about our missionary badges and within a few minutes we had introduced her to the church. She was from Los Angeles, Calif. and was moving here for work. She said she wanted to learn more about the church. We had a pass a long card with information on how to learn on the internet more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I felt even more blessed when I realized I had a copy of The Book of Mormon with me. I was able to give her the book and I instructed her to read the introductory page and learn about what this book is about. I invited her to read the last two paragraphs on that page: " We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)

Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah."

She was very excited when I gave her this priceless book and she gave me a huge hug.

Today, I challenged myself to take some pass along cards to a physician appointment that I had. When I arrived I was trying to figure out how to approach the subject of the church. I decided to tell them that as a missionary I am suppose to share the Gospel with whomever I meet and to give out pass a long cards. The very first person was my own physician. I found out quickly that she wasn't a member of the church even though she has lived in Utah all her life. We had a delightful conversation. Then when I went to be checked out there were two receptionists, so I decided to approach them. I found out one was a member and one was not. I had a good discussion with them and gave out two cards. Yes, I think I can do this! It was fun today to share the gospel with others. Try it; you will like it!

7 comments:

For me, the OYM is very difficult when trying to share my testimony to others outside of sacrament meeting. I've actually never heard of OYM until reading your post.What a beautiful post of sharing your testimony.

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